CrossFit has well over 13,000 affiliates around the globe. Owners and staff rely on this to support them financially. Members rely on them to keep them healthy and fit.
And now coronavirus has thrown a serious curveball, forcing thousands of these affiliates to close their doors to the community until further notice. As of right now, the number of affiliate closures is somewhere in the neighborhood of 8,800 — which equates to nearly 60% of all affiliates.
60% of gyms. Closed.
A number of countries have closed literally all of their gyms, including Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, India, Argentina, and the United Kingdom. And the United States is looking at more than 5,000 closures, making up more than 70% of its affiliates. Statewide closures have rocked the US coast to coast.
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It’s felt like one hurdle after another. For many states and countries, it started only with a strong recommendation from the government to close or at least limit the number of people who were let inside. But as the number of coronavirus cases has continued to climb, that strong recommendation turned into an undeniable order: Close your doors, and do it quickly.
The repercussions are a sort of ripple effect. The average monthly CrossFit membership is $150 — and the steep price (relative to other types of gyms) is warranted. Running an affiliate isn’t cheap. You’re looking at equipment purchases and maintenance, rent (which can be anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 in and of itself, depending on the size of the facility and its location), utilities, marketing, payroll, insurance, coaching certifications, and cleaning, not to mention affiliate fees and the hefty cost of opening an affiliate in the first place — which can add up to about $30,000.
Some of these costs, namely rent, could very likely continue despite the fact that many affiliates are currently out a business and don’t truly know when they’ll be able to open back up to their community again.
It’s a very challenging time for everyone, but if we stick together, we can get through anything.
Main image: CrossFit Townsville/Facebook